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Clearing your Harley-Davidson Trouble Codes

Harley-Davidson Trouble Codes (Check Engine Light)

If you own a Harley-Davidson, and you noticed that your check engine light has come on, you find yourself concerned. You might be wondering what this light means and how to fix the issue?

One option is to look up the code online or on a forum and try to clear it yourself. While this can be helpful, it's always a good idea to document the code and the order in which it appeared.

Why is this important?

Trouble codes can act like breadcrumbs and help a certified Harley-Davidson technician understand exactly what is going on with your motorcycle. Even if you are comfortable working on your own bike, there may be times when you need to involve a Harley dealer in the future.  At Wilkins, we have found that often times the past code and the order in which it was issued could have saved the owner of the motorcycle some diagnostic time and money.  

In this case, knowing the trouble codes and the order in which they appeared can be crucial in identifying and fixing the problem.  “Clearing” a code doesn’t really fix anything.  The check engine light goes out.  The question really is whether it comes back or not. 

It's also worth noting that trouble codes are not always a sign of a serious issue. They could indicate a minor issue that can be easily resolved (battery was low or tire pressure was low).

However, it's always best to err on the side of caution and keep track of the codes, just in case you do need to refer back to them in the future.

So, if you see a check engine light on your Harley-Davidson and want to clear the code, go ahead. But be sure to document the code and the order in which it appeared. This information could be invaluable if you encounter a more serious issue down the road. By keeping track of the codes, you can help ensure that any potential issues with your motorcycle are resolved quickly and effectively.

So, it is always advisable to record the trouble codes and the order in which they appeared.  Have additional questions, reach out to the Wilkins Harley-Davidson service department